Hotel lobbies, it seems, are no longer the places they used to be. Based on research, Marriott has now come up with a new design concept "specifically for the 24/7 work patterns of today’s business traveller".
Out goes what it describes as the "formal living room" atmosphere, to be replaced by new zones, where guests can more easily meet and work in small groups, enjoy a little private time or dine casually in more open spaces with access to the latest technology.
The new ’great room’ concept is due to be introduced later this year at selected Marriott and Renaissance hotels.
According to Mike Jannini, executive vice-president of brand management, the research revealed that today’s business travellers use public spaces in vastly different ways than a traditional hotel design encourages. "For example, many guests participate in ’social business’ – travelling, working and socialising with a group of colleagues," he says. "In contrast, other individuals are more likely to engage in ’relaxing work’ –working in their own time and pace, multitasking between personal business and work”.
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